Home Entertainment EastEnders FIRST LOOK: Phil Mitchell breaks down at his parents’ graves while a concerned Linda, Nigel, Billy and Lexi find a note from the mechanic amid heartbreaking suicide storyline

EastEnders FIRST LOOK: Phil Mitchell breaks down at his parents’ graves while a concerned Linda, Nigel, Billy and Lexi find a note from the mechanic amid heartbreaking suicide storyline

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EastEnders' Phil Mitchell is seen collapsing on his late parents' graves in the first images amid the heartbreaking new storyline which will see the character attempt suicide.

EastEnders’ Phil Mitchell is seen collapsing on his late parents’ graves in the first images amid the heartbreaking new storyline which will see the character attempt suicide.

The next hard-hitting plot will see Phil, portrayed by Steve McFaddenHe struggles with his mental health as his depression increases, leading him to attempt to take his own life.

Images from filming for the BBC soap opera. Phil’s worried friends and family (Linda Carter, Billy Mitchell, Nigel Bates and Lexi Pearce) find what appears to be a suicide note from the mechanic left on the grave of his beloved mother Peggy.

Night scenes show Walford residents gathering in a cemetery after going in search of Phil, amid growing concern for his well-being.

The shots show Steve in character as the infamous tough man standing next to a grave looking emotional as he continues to struggle with his depression.

While in other snapshots the actor, 65, is seen wrapped in a padded navy blue coat and a hat between scenes.

EastEnders’ Phil Mitchell is seen collapsing on his late parents’ graves in the first images amid the heartbreaking new storyline which will see the character attempt suicide.

Images from filming for the BBC soap opera. Phil's worried friends and family, Linda Carter, Billy Mitchell, Nigel Bates and Lexi Pearce, find what appears to be a suicide note from the mechanic left on the grave of his beloved mother Peggy.

Images from filming for the BBC soap opera. Phil’s worried friends and family, Linda Carter, Billy Mitchell, Nigel Bates and Lexi Pearce, find what appears to be a suicide note from the mechanic left on the grave of his beloved mother Peggy.

More footage shows the character being comforted by cousin Billy (Perry Fenwick) and granddaughter Lexi (Isabella Brown).

Nigel (Paul Bradley) also hugs his old friend, who recently returned to Albert Square after 27 years away.

With another snapshot revealing the shocking moment Linda (Kellie Bright) bends over Peggy’s grave to discover a note, apparently written by Phil.

In the next scenes, Phil will begin to isolate himself from his family and closest friends while coming to terms with Sharon’s new relationship with her cousin Teddy, the collapse of his marriage to Kat, and his son Ben’s imprisonment in the United States.

As his depression deepens, Phil experiences vivid hallucinations, leading him to the heartbreaking belief that his life is no longer worth living.

The story will follow the impact Phil’s depression will have on his family and friends as they struggle to understand and support him.

EastEnders is working closely with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and Mind to ensure Phil’s story is portrayed as accurately and sensitively as possible.

The BBC soap’s executive producer, Chris Clenshaw, said: “The story of Phil’s depression will focus on his deteriorating mental health and subsequent psychotic symptoms, and the reaction of those around him, as we hope to show how Mental health can affect anyone at any time.

The upcoming hard-hitting storyline will see Phil, played by Steve McFadden, struggle with his mental health as his depression spirals, leading him to attempt to take his own life.

The upcoming hard-hitting storyline will see Phil, played by Steve McFadden, struggle with his mental health as his depression spirals, leading him to attempt to take his own life.

Night scenes show Walford residents gathering in a cemetery after going in search of Phil, amid growing concern for his well-being.

Night scenes show Walford residents gathering in a cemetery after going in search of Phil, amid growing concern for his well-being.

The shots show Steve in character as the infamous tough man standing next to a grave looking emotional as he continues to struggle with his depression.

The shots show Steve in character as the infamous tough man standing next to a grave looking emotional as he continues to struggle with his depression.

Dressed in his signature black leather jacket, Phil is seen struggling with his emotions.

Dressed in his signature black leather jacket, Phil is seen struggling with his emotions.

The character has been battling depression and loneliness in recent months.

The character has been battling depression and loneliness in recent months.

In other snapshots the actor, 65, is seen wrapped in a padded navy blue coat and a hat between scenes.

In other snapshots the actor, 65, is seen wrapped in a padded navy blue coat and a hat between scenes.

Steve has played the Walford resident for 35 years.

The soap opera star bundled up to protect herself from the cool January weather

Steve has played the Walford resident for 35 years.

Between scenes, the actor was seen studying his script.

Between scenes, the actor was seen studying his script.

More footage shows the character being comforted by cousin Billy (Perry Fenwick) and granddaughter Lexi (Isabella Brown).

More footage shows the character being comforted by cousin Billy (Perry Fenwick) and granddaughter Lexi (Isabella Brown).

Phil hugs Lexi in heartbreaking scenes

Phil hugs Lexi in heartbreaking scenes

Nigel (Paul Bradley) also hugs his old friend, who recently returned to Albert Square after 27 years away.

Nigel (Paul Bradley) also hugs his old friend, who recently returned to Albert Square after 27 years away.

A struggling Phil visited the graves of his parents, Eric and Peggy.

A struggling Phil visited the graves of his parents, Eric and Peggy.

A struggling Phil visited the graves of his parents, Eric and Peggy.

The cast filmed scenes late into the night amid the heavy-hitting plot.

The cast filmed scenes late into the night amid the heavy-hitting plot.

The actors bundle up in puffer coats between scenes.

The actors bundle up in puffer coats between scenes.

“Steve’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary and he has carefully portrayed the complex realities of depression and the experience of psychotic symptoms, with compassion and understanding.”

Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp, will make a surprise return to the BBC soap after nine years to help his brother who is struggling with his mental health.

Grant was last seen in 2016 when he returned for his mother Peggy Mitchell’s funeral and the appearance will be part of the soap’s special 40th anniversary episode.

Another snapshot reveals the shocking moment Linda (Kellie Bright) bends over Peggy's grave to discover a note, apparently written by Phil.

Linda looks worried as she stands next to Peggy's grave.

Another snapshot reveals the shocking moment Linda (Kellie Bright) bends over Peggy’s grave to discover a note, apparently written by Phil.

Linda, Lexi and Billy worry about Phil amid the latest development in Phil's depression story.

Linda, Lexi and Billy worry about Phil amid the latest development in Phil’s depression story.

Also shown are the graves of late Walford residents Pat Evans and Heather Trott.

Also shown are the graves of late Walford residents Pat Evans and Heather Trott.

Also shown are the graves of late Walford residents Pat Evans and Heather Trott.

The cast bundled up in warm coats as they took some time off from filming.

The cast bundled up in warm coats as they took some downtime during filming.

Kellie ate an apple while chatting with her co-star Perry between scenes.

Kellie ate an apple while chatting with her co-star Perry between scenes.

The story will follow the impact Phil's depression will have on his family and friends as they struggle to understand and support him.

The story will follow the impact Phil’s depression will have on his family and friends as they struggle to understand and support him.

EastEnders is working closely with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and Mind to ensure Phil's story is portrayed as accurately and sensitively as possible.

EastEnders is working closely with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and Mind to ensure Phil’s story is portrayed as accurately and sensitively as possible.

Confirming his return, Ross said: “I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show approaches its 40th anniversary.

‘EastEnders has always meant a lot to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary is an absolute honour.

“Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say this time is no different as he is certainly back with a bang.”

For help with a mental health crisis, contact Mind on: 0300 123 3393

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